NZ Engine

Category: MIL-OSI

  • ‘Let us know you’re safe’ – Police concerned for missing man

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A Land Search and Rescue team today joined the search for missing Masterton man John Rafferty, who was last seen about midday on Sunday 4 May.

    Sergeant Anthony Matheson says it’s possible John is staying with a friend, but Police and his family want to know he’s safe.

    “A reasonable amount of time has passed, and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet. A search team has been out looking for him, and a helicopter also helped us search several areas today. We are really keen to know that he’s safe.

    John is 74 and was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on Sunday. He did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later. The CCTV image shows John on the station platform.

    He was wearing sweatpants, black shoes, and a blue jacket with ‘NASA’ written on the back.

    John may have left the Masterton area, and anyone who sees him is asked to contact Police via 111. Information after the fact can be provided online at 105. Please use the reference number P062453320.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

  • Government Cuts – Government Rollback on Pay Equity is a Huge Step Backward for Women’s Rights, says ‘Mind the Gap’ co-founder – YWCA

    Source: Auckland YWCA

    The Government’s proposed amendments to the Equal Pay Act 1972 represent a major setback for pay equity and a breach of women’s fundamental rights, says leading gender advocate Dellwyn Stuart, co-founder of Mind the Gap and CEO of YWCA Auckland.
    “This move takes us backwards, not forwards,” says Ms Stuart. “It remains a violation of women’s human rights to be paid unfairly, and this Government is dismantling decades of hard-won progress to close the gender pay gap.”
    Female-dominated professions – including care work, nursing, and early childhood education – continue to be underpaid and undervalued compared to traditionally male-dominated sectors, despite their essential role in the wellbeing of Aotearoa.
    “We saw during Covid-19 how vital these roles are to society. Nurses and carers were rightly recognised as essential. Now, those same workers are being told that fair pay is off the table – that their aspirations for financial security and dignity at work don’t count,” says Ms Stuart.
    She warns that these changes will likely worsen the existing workforce crisis: “Skilled workers will continue to seek better opportunities overseas, leaving our health and social systems even more vulnerable.
    “With many pay equity claims involving government-employed workforces, Ms Stuart points to the contradiction at the heart of current policymaking: “This coalition government is actively perpetuating pay discrimination. At the same time, the Minister for Women is travelling the country asking businesses to close their pay gaps. How can the Government expect the private sector to commit to pay equity when it is not leading by example?”
    The gender pay gap remains a significant issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly affecting Māori and Pacific women, who are already over-represented in lower-income statistics. While the national gender pay gap sits at 8.2%, it rises to 15% for Māori women and 17.3% for Pacific women (Source: Ministry for Women, 2024).
    “If we’re serious about fairness and decency in this country, we need to properly value the work of those who contribute the most to the wellbeing of our society,” say Ms Stuart.

  • Greenpeace – Luxon Government to pass law tonight that legalises killing Kiwi

    Source: Greenpeace

    The Luxon Government has just introduced a bill into the House that would make it legal to kill protected wildlife. Greenpeace understands the Bill is being rushed through all stages under urgency tonight, without public consultation or proper scrutiny.
    The amendment to the Wildlife Act, New Zealand’s foundational wildlife protection law, would allow the Director-General of Conservation to grant companies permission to kill native animals if they get in the way of projects like roads, mines or dams.
    Greenpeace has condemned the move as a clear and dangerous escalation of the Luxon Government’s war on nature.
    “No one wants to see roading or mining companies handed a licence to kill kiwi – but that’s exactly what this Bill makes possible,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
    “This is a law change no one asked for – except the corporations that see wildlife as an obstacle to profit. It’s being rushed through in the dead of night so the public can’t even have a say,”
    “If this Bill passes, it will go down in history as the moment the Government chose corporate profits over protecting wildlife that is already on the brink of extinction,” says Toop.
    Greenpeace is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the amendment and for the Government to strengthen, not weaken, protections for the country’s threatened wildlife.
    The Bill comes after a landmark High Court decision in the case of the Environmental Law Initiative v The Director-General of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and others. The case challenged DOC’s decision to grant Waka Kotahi permission to kill wildlife during construction of the Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki.
    The Judge ruled that the permit was unlawful, upending years of DOC’s practice of granting permits which authorised the killing of wildlife under the Wildlife Act.
    “The Luxon Government is changing the law to legalise what the High Court just ruled is illegal,” says Toop. “We’re talking about the kiwi – our national icon – being sacrificed so a company can build a road faster. That’s just not who we are as a country.”
    Greenpeace says the move is part of a wider pattern of stripping away safeguards for land, fresh water, and wildlife such as the repeal of the oil and gas ban, the introduction of the Fast-Track Act, and the recently announced RMA reforms.
    “Once a species is gone, it’s gone forever. We should be strengthening protections for endangered wildlife, not making it legal to kill them,” says Toop.

  • Release: Labour welcomes inquiry into school lunches

    Source:

    Labour welcomes the Auditor-General’s inquiry into the Government’s school lunches programme.

    “After months of chaos and kids going hungry, I’m glad that David Seymour’s school lunches mess is now being investigated,” Labour’s education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “I’ve heard from schools who’ve shared their heartbreak at seeing kids going hungry following the government changes to the programme. It’s even more disheartening when the Minister’s response has been to blame and shame schools that speak out.

    “It’s been a huge waste of time and resources for schools and has distracted many teachers from their classrooms as they dealt with David Seymour’s mess.

    “We’ve seen reports showing the lunches are not up to nutritional standard and a procurement process that has raised many unanswered questions.

    “Where Education Minister Erica Stanford has failed to act, I’m glad the Auditor-General is. David Seymour guaranteed that all will be fixed come Term 2, but the problems continue,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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  • Firearms Registry cracks 400,000th firearm

    Source: New Zealand Police

    More than a third of all firearms licence holders have registered their firearms, with New Zealand’s Firearms Registry recording its 400,000th gun now linked to an individual licence holder.

    Te Tari Pureke – Firearms Safety Authority says the 400,000th firearm was one of more than 1000 guns added to the Registry in one day, on 1 May. These firearms are held by 81,400 individual licence holders, or 36 percent of licenced gun owners in New Zealand.

    Acting Executive Director, Superintendent Richard Wilson, says the Registry is part of a broad response to firearms harm in our communities, and delivers greater transparency and accountability when firearms are bought and sold, imported, and manufactured. This is helping mitigate the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.

    The Registry was one of the reforms following the March 2019 terror attack in Christchurch.

    “Only last month, Police arrested two unlicensed hunters in possession of a number of firearms after a complaint about illegal hunting. When the serial numbers of some of the guns were cross-checked with the Registry, it identified licence holders and investigations are continuing.

    “This is a huge step forward, being able to trace firearms so quickly and easily. And remember, it’s still early days. Over time, as we get all licence holders in, the Registry will increasingly make it more difficult for firearms to move from lawful hands into the black market of unlicensed people, including gangs, extremists, or criminals.”

    Licence holders must record their details in the Registry no later than August 2028. However, if they have an activating circumstance before that time, such as renewing their licence, buying a firearm, or changing address, they must register their licence details and all their firearms and parts, and keep that information up to date. Most registered firearms, almost 89 percent, are so-called A-Category firearms, the standard rifles and shotguns used by hunters and farmers.

    Superintendent Wilson says the Registry is on track to have all licence holders in by the 2028 deadline.

    “We acknowledge all the firearm licence holders who have filled in the Firearms Registry so far. To those yet to register their firearms, Te Tari Pūreke is here to help. Go to the MyFirearms web page or call us on 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.”

    ENDS

  • Significant cocaine seizure leads to arrests across NZ

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Canterbury Police, New Zealand Customs and Police’s National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) have made a significant dent in the supply of drugs into Christchurch, with the seizure of more than 25kg of cocaine.

    On 29 March, Police and Customs received information about a significant importation of cocaine that had come through Lyttelton Port.

    More than 25kg of the Class A Controlled Drug was seized, with a street value in excess of NZ$9 million.

    Search warrants have since been executed across New Zealand, utilising specialist teams to support investigators with evidence gathering.

    The investigation has been ongoing over the past six weeks and has led to the arrest of four men, aged 30-36, from Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland.

    They will face multiple charges, including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks says this seizure equates to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million of harm prevention.

    “That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation.

    “Police and Customs continue to be committed to targeting those offenders causing the most harm, and are always looking for opportunities to disrupt the supply chain from organised criminal groups targeting New Zealanders.

    “Part of the investigation’s success was also due to the target hardening of Customs Controlled Areas in Christchurch and the excellent partnership between Customs and Police.

    “We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations’ attempts to exploit their people and premises.”

    Customs Acting Investigations Manager Rachael Manning says this investigation was the result of quick action and close collaboration between Police and Customs as well as industry partners who are committed to working alongside law enforcement to help stop organised criminal groups from operating in our regions and ports.

    “We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit. They’re using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains, whether that’s at seaports, in secure areas or on vessels themselves.

    “This result highlights that we are determined to find them, and we will not let legitimate businesses falling victim to these criminals’ methods. Everyone has a role they can play in protecting our country and communities from harm. Customs urges our industry stakeholders and public to remain vigilant at all times. You can raise any suspicions about possible smuggling behaviour by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” Ms Manning says.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

  • Dynabook Launches Ultra-Light Portégé Z40L-N Copilot+PC with Self-Replaceable Battery

    Source: Tairāwhiti Graduates Celebrate Success – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Dynabook Launches Ultra-Light Portégé Z40L-N Copilot+PC with Self-Replaceable Battery

    Dynabook ANZ launches the ultra-light Portégé Z40L-N, a 14” AI-powered business laptop featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, Microsoft Copilot+ tools, robust security, and a self-replaceable battery—designed for mobile professionals needing performance, security, and portability.

    The post Dynabook Launches Ultra-Light Portégé Z40L-N Copilot+PC with Self-Replaceable Battery first appeared on PR.co.nz.

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  • Rock scaling works planned for State Highway 63 Howard Narrows near St Arnaud

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

    Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

    Contractors will be on-site on the St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, from Monday 19 May until Friday 27 June to complete rock scaling and rock bolting.

    Rock scaling site SH63 Howard Narrows.

    Work will be underway on weekdays only between 7:30am and 5pm.  No work will be done on weekends

    Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman says contractors will be working on the top rock face about 30 metres above the highway, a section that hasn’t been strengthened before.

    “Our team will use a 60-tonne crane with a cradle to provide abseilers access to the top of the rock face but due to the geography the loose rock and debris must be removed manually.” 

    “Approximately 120 rock bolts will be drilled to stabilise the face before mesh rock-protection is installed,’ Mr Service says.

    He says that, as the location’s name suggests, this section of State Highway 63 is incredibly narrow, which makes the work extremely challenging. 

    “To ensure the safety of road users and our crew we must close the road while this work is completed.”

    “Rock falls can pose a serious risk to road users and sometimes result in lengthy road closures. Reducing this risk is a priority.”

    Mr Service says improving State Highway 63’s resilience is critical. 

    “We have seen from past severe weather events how crucial it has been in providing an alternative route when State Highway 6 has been closed between Nelson and Blenheim.”

    “It is critical we continue to invest in the highway to improve the resilience and reliability of the regional state highway network,” Mr Service says.

    Because rock scaling can only be done safely during the day, the work requires daytime road closures. Measures will be in place to reduce delays and disruptions for drivers, with regular openings planned to let queued traffic through the work site. They will be scheduled for 10 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm, for 20 minutes.

    While the project is underway, Mr Service says road users will have to detour via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.

    “This is a significant detour and will require extra travel time. However, it is unavoidable as it is not safe to have traffic driving through the project site when rocks are being removed from the cliff face. We have to keep drivers safe from the risk of rockfalls.”

    “Please bear with us. We know there will be disruptions and delays while the work is completed. But investing in these improvements now helps prevent bigger hassles in the future,” Mr Service says.

    NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community to ensure those affected by this work can make arrangements in advance.

    Works schedule

    • Monday 19 May, to Friday 27 June, 7:30am – 5pm (weekdays only) full road closure of State Highway 63 between Howard Valley Road and Kawatiri Junction.
    • During this time the road will reopen for 20 minutes at 10am, 12noon and 3pm to let queued traffic through.  These times will be dependent on the weather and safe passage through site.
    • The road will operate under stop/go traffic lights and a reduced temporary speed limit outside of work hours.
    • During work hours the detour route for all vehicles will be via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.
    • Allow an extra 30 minutes travel time when travelling on the detour route.
    • Emergency services will be accommodated through the closure.

    View larger map [PDF, 130 KB]

    More information

    • This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)(external link)
    • Other resilience works recently completed in the top of the South Island include rock scaling work on State Highway 65 at Higgins Bluff and flood prevention works on State Highway 1 at Dashwood in Marlborough, State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff and State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge in the Wairau Valley. Stage Two of the resilience work on State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle is also planned to begin in May.

  • RSE Draft Erases Rainbow and Takatāpui Youth

    Source:

    Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi.

    “This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    The draft excludes Takatāpui or trans identities, frames gender in binaries and postpones meaningful consent teaching to later years. It also makes no effort to affirm our same-sex or gender-diverse whānau.

    Te Pāti Māori is calling for:

    • Takatāpui-led co-design of the curriculum

    • Consent education from primary school

    • Explicit inclusion of rainbow whānau

    • Tikanga-based, inclusive sexuality education

    • Funding for kaupapa-led teacher training

    “We need education that reflects all our tamariki. Silence is not safety” said Ngarewa-Packer.

    Submissions close Friday 9 May. Te Pāti Māori urges whānau and communities to speak out.

    Click here to have your say. 

  • New High Commissioner to Kiribati announced

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Pati Gagau as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Kiribati.

    “Our diplomats play a critical role in advancing New Zealand’s interests overseas,” Mr Peters says.

    “Nowhere is this truer than in the Pacific, where we strive to work with our Pacific partners to forge a more secure, more prosperous and more resilient future for our region.”

    Mr Gagau has held a number of senior roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, managing development programmes and working across many of New Zealand’s important bilateral relationships in the Pacific. 

    Mr Gagau has previously served as New Zealand’s Deputy Head of Mission in Samoa.